CN109552443B

CN109552443B - High flow low pressure adsorption device

Info

Publication number: CN109552443B
Application number: CN201811117091.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乌加瓦尔·阿加沃尔
Original assignee: Visibi Robotics
Current assignee: Visibi Robotics
Priority date: 2017-09-25
Filing date: 2018-09-25
Publication date: 2022-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-25
Also published as: JP2020535349A; US10670046B2; CN109552443A; SG11202002648PA; WO2019058381A1; EP3687884A4; EP3687884A1; US20190093670A1

Abstract

The invention discloses a high-flow low-pressure adsorption device. The device is a non-contact adsorption device based on a multi-stage turbulence based low pressure adsorption mechanism that includes a fan or rotating impeller for drawing air/fluid/slurry without any seals between the device and the surface being adsorbed. The device combines this turbulent flow-based low pressure generation with the bernoulli principle to produce a highly efficient adsorption device. The apparatus accomplishes this by flowing air/fluid/slurry through two or three zones selected from the group consisting of an acceleration zone, a turbulent zone (high turbulence zone) and a smooth zone (minimal turbulence zone). The device works by introducing air/fluid/slurry into a vacuum chamber, accelerating the air/fluid/slurry, creating turbulence in the air/fluid/slurry in a rarefied region near the perimeter to cause a pressure drop, and then maintaining the pressure over a large bottom area and finally discharging the air/fluid/slurry through a fan/rotating impeller.

Description

High flow low pressure adsorption device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a high flow low pressure suction device (high flow low pressure suction device). In particular, the present invention is in the field of hydrodynamics and describes an adsorption mechanism and device that involves high flow low pressure adsorption based on multi-stage turbulence that does not require contact with the surface being adsorbed. Such suction devices may be used in wall climbers for inclined, vertical or inverted surfaces, as well as other mobile robots or toys. The device may also be used as an end effector for a manipulator. Another important use may be in devices requiring high traction, such as aircraft back-push tractors.

Background

The invention relates to the field of high-flow low-pressure adsorption devices based on non-contact adsorption mechanisms. These devices have found widespread use in mobile robots that are capable of moving across all surfaces regardless of orientation. Wall climbing robots have commercial use in the manufacture of wall painting robots, window cleaning robots, surveillance robots, solar panel cleaning robots, inspection robots in nuclear power plants, and many any other robotic system that requires movement on an inverted surface, a vertical surface, or an extremely inclined surface.

Many techniques for attachment to a surface have been developed, such as magnetic levitation systems, electrostatic systems, etc., each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Of these techniques, fluid-based adsorption techniques can address a variety of surfaces regardless of the material properties of the surface. Fluid-based adsorption technologies can generally be divided into two categories, namely contact adsorption systems (using a flexible seal between the robot and the surface) and non-contact systems. Contact systems or suction cups are generally more efficient in terms of force per unit of energy generated using them. However, these systems are not suitable for mobile robots, especially on rough surfaces. Suction cups are used in walking robots and in wheeled robots with trailing seals. This technique faces several problems. One of the main problems is the friction between the rubber skirt (seal (in the form of a drag seal)) and the surface. This hinders movement and may also leave rubber marks on the wall. Moreover, if the seals are out of contact due to some unevenness of the surface (the surface on which the robot moves), the air pressure will be lost and will lead to catastrophic failure (this situation is suitable for both towed seal type robots and walking type robots). Flexible and segmented seals have been used to reduce problems with rough surfaces, as in US4095378, US4809383 and US5014803, but these seals are only effective to a limited extent.

In the case of mobile robots, non-contact adsorption systems are preferred over contact adsorption systems, but essentially consume more energy per unit of force generated. These systems from the prior art are generally based on the bernoulli principle to generate low pressures. This means that they use a large portion of the lower surface as a flat surface, as in US20110192665 A1. As in US20060144624, the lower surface of the adsorption mechanism/mobile robot combines with the surface being adsorbed to form a venturi. The device of the present invention does not have a flat lower surface and therefore the lower surface in combination with the surface being adsorbed does not form a venturi. The bernoulli-principle based mechanism can generate adsorption from both the inward flow of fluid and the outward flow of fluid, and this is a key difference to identify bernoulli-principle based systems from the devices of the present invention. Many prior art techniques using outward flow of air can be found, such as US20110192665A1 using pressurized air.

Another type of non-contact suction mechanism is a vortex attractor. These vortex attractors typically have a lower body that is almost entirely comprised of an impeller that pushes air (or other fluid) out of the region between the lower body and the surface being attracted, and thereby creates a low pressure in that region. The flow is like a vortex. US5194032 and US6565321 are some examples of vortex attractors. These vortex attractors have a high moment of inertia for the impeller and therefore have a short response time and a large precession of revolution. Furthermore, these vortex attractors always operate at the risk of the impeller hitting some surface protrusions, damaging the surface and the impeller.

The presently described invention uses a completely new method to produce adsorption, which is based on turbulent flow adsorption. The present invention is an adsorption apparatus based on a non-contact adsorption mechanism and thus has superior rough surface properties compared to an adsorption apparatus based on a contact adsorption mechanism. Compared with an adsorption device based on the Bernoulli principle, the adsorption device has higher energy efficiency. Furthermore, the mechanism and device have a lower sensitivity to surface protrusions than suction devices/apparatus based on the bernoulli principle.

Object of the Invention

It is a primary object of the present invention to design and/or provide a high flow, low pressure adsorption device.

It is an object of the present invention to design and/or provide a high flow low pressure adsorption mechanism and/or device based on non-contact multi-stage turbulence with excellent performance and increased efficiency.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a non-contact adsorption apparatus incorporating the above-described adsorption concept and/or incorporating the three-stage turbulent flow-based high flow low pressure adsorption mechanism of the present invention.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a non-contact adsorption apparatus incorporating the above-described adsorption concept and/or incorporating the two-stage turbulent flow-based high flow low pressure adsorption mechanism of the present invention.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a non-contact adsorption apparatus that incorporates the above-described adsorption concept and/or incorporates the high flow, low pressure adsorption mechanism of the present invention based on turbulence of three or more stages.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a non-contact adsorption apparatus/system/device with superior performance and increased efficiency that can operate with any fluid or slurry, including gases (e.g., air), liquids (e.g., water), or any combination thereof; and may be used to attract, suspend, hold, lift, and block objects and for attachment to a surface; and the device appears robust with varying roughness and surface texture.

Summary of The Invention

The invention discloses a high-flow low-pressure adsorption device. In particular, the present invention describes an adsorption mechanism, apparatus and device that involves high flow low pressure adsorption based on multi-stage turbulence that does not require contact with the surface being adsorbed. Such suction devices may be used in wall climbers and other mobile robots or toys for inclined, vertical or inverted surfaces, as end effectors for manipulators, and also in devices requiring high traction, such as aircraft back-push tractors.

The non-contact adsorption apparatus/system/apparatus of the present invention, which has excellent performance and improved efficiency, can operate with any fluid and slurry, including gas (e.g., air), liquid (e.g., water), or any combination thereof; and may be used to attract, suspend, hold, lift and block (interrupt) objects and for attachment to a surface; and the device appears robust with varying roughness and surface texture.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a high flow low pressure adsorption device comprising:

a base plate, wherein the inner surface of the base plate comprises a subdivided flow section (physical zone) physically produced therein;

a suction fan or a rotating impeller attached with the base plate facing the vacuum chamber;

-wherein suction fans suck air or fluid or pulp from the periphery of the base plate into the device and into the base plate, the internal geometry design controlling the flow velocity of the air or fluid or pulp through the subdivided flow sections of the base plate; and is

-wherein the adsorption means need not contact the surface to be adsorbed.

In one embodiment, the base plate comprises a plurality of sub-divided flow sections selected from the group consisting of an acceleration region, a turbulence region, and a smoothing region.

In one embodiment, the plurality of sub-divided flow sections present at the inner surface of the base plate comprise a turbulent zone and a smooth zone.

In one embodiment, the plurality of subdivided flow sections present at the inner surface of the base plate comprise an acceleration zone, a turbulence zone and a smoothing zone.

In one embodiment, the plurality of subdivided flow sections present at the inner surface of the base plate comprise two acceleration zones, one turbulence zone and one smoothing zone.

In one embodiment, the smooth region of the device includes a flow diverter. The flow redirector does not necessarily have to touch the surface. The flow redirector may or may not touch the surface being attracted.

In one embodiment, the flow redirector in the smooth zone of the device does not need to touch the surface to be adsorbed.

In one embodiment, the flow diverter of the smooth region of the device touches the surface to be adsorbed.

In one embodiment, the vacuum chamber is uniquely designed to operate without any seals between the chamber and the surface.

In one embodiment, when an acceleration zone is present, the acceleration zone forms the outer perimeter of the suction device, which helps to increase the velocity of the incoming air or fluid or slurry, and may also cause some turbulence in the air or fluid or slurry, and ultimately supplies high velocity or rapidly moving air or fluid or slurry to the turbulence zone.

In one embodiment, the zone of turbulence causes turbulence in the rapidly moving air or fluid or slurry from the acceleration zone, or when there is no acceleration zone, from the periphery of the device, the turbulence causes a reduction in fluid energy, which reduces the fluid pressure.

In one embodiment, the subdivided flow section, in particular the turbulent zone present at the inner surface of the base plate, has a plurality of undulations (undulations) and may have a geometric design selected from the group consisting of:

(a) A semi-circular shape followed by a back-step or axisymmetric relief;

(b) A non-axisymmetric undulation comprising a plurality of protrusions;

(c) A non-axisymmetric undulation comprising an undulating geometry;

(d) A bristle-like structure; and

(e) A flexible structure.

In one embodiment, the zone of turbulence may vary in design or shape with a plurality of undulations or uneven, low-concave surfaces to cause turbulence that creates turbulence in the lean space located near the perimeter of the device.

In one embodiment, the surface structure of the smooth zone has a specific geometry that minimizes the variation in cross-sectional area for the flowing air or fluid or slurry, thereby providing a constant cross-sectional area that the air or fluid or slurry faces.

In one embodiment, the ideal shape of the smoothing zone is an axisymmetric shape, wherein the design height of the device from the surface being adsorbed is inversely proportional to the radial distance from the center.

In one embodiment, a constant cross-sectional state throughout the flow path is achieved by the flow redirector being present in the smooth zone.

In one embodiment, the apparatus works by introducing air or fluid or slurry into a vacuum chamber, accelerating the air or fluid or slurry, creating turbulence in the air or fluid or slurry to cause a pressure drop, maintaining the pressure over a large bottom area, and finally expelling the air or fluid or slurry through a fan/rotating impeller.

In one embodiment, the basic overall geometry of the adsorption device may be circular or polygonal or free-form in shape.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may be used as or in an adsorption device that may operate with fluids and slurries comprising a gas (e.g., air), a liquid (e.g., water), or a combination thereof, and a gas or liquid having solids and particles dispersed therein.

In one embodiment, the suction fan or impeller may be a radial fan or an axial fan or a combination of both, wherein the drive shaft of the fan or impeller may be powered directly or indirectly by a belt connected from a drive source, optionally the shaft is provided with gears to allow rotation in the reverse direction or to allow control of the fan or impeller speed.

In one embodiment, the power source may be an AC or DC electric motor, a gas or fuel fired motor, steam power, compressed gas or air, a flywheel or mechanical wind device or other hydraulic, wind or magnetic device.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a high flow low pressure adsorption device wherein

-a suction fan or a rotating impeller attached with the base plate facing a vacuum chamber formed inside the base plate sucks air or fluid or slurry from the environment through the perimeter of the device, wherein the internal geometry of the base plate is designed to comprise an acceleration zone, a turbulence zone and a smoothing zone by three sub-divided flow sections;

-wherein air or fluid or slurry from the perimeter of the device directly enters an acceleration zone where it is accelerated and then enters a turbulence zone where it undergoes a sharp drop in pressure due to the large energy losses caused by the turbulence created in the zone and then continues into a smoothing zone where the flow is diverted and controlled by means of a flow diverter present at the centre of the smoothing zone and a constant cross-sectional state of the entire flow path that the air or fluid or slurry faces is achieved, the flow diverter does not need to touch the surface being adsorbed and where the smoothing zone maintains the pressure over a large floor area surface structure and finally the flow is drawn by a fan and drained back into the environment (or sump); whereby the device creates suction and attracts the surface;

-wherein the adsorption means need not contact the surface to be adsorbed.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a flowing low pressure sorption device wherein

-a suction fan or a rotating impeller attached with the base plate facing a vacuum chamber formed inside the base plate sucks air or fluid or slurry from the environment through the perimeter of the device, wherein the internal geometry of the base plate is designed to comprise a turbulent zone and a smooth zone by two sub-divided flow sections;

-wherein air or fluid or slurry from the perimeter of the device enters directly into a zone of turbulence which accelerates and creates turbulence to the air or fluid or slurry and experiences a sharp drop in pressure due to the large energy losses resulting from the turbulence created in the zone, and then the air or fluid or slurry continues into a smooth zone, wherein the flow is diverted and controlled by means of a flow diverter present at the center of the smooth zone and a constant cross-sectional state of the entire flow path that the air or fluid or slurry faces is achieved, the flow diverter does not need to touch the surface being adsorbed, and wherein the smooth zone is designed such that turbulence is kept to a minimum and pressure is kept over large floor area surface structures; and eventually the flow is drawn by the fan and exhausted back into the environment (or sump); whereby the device creates suction and attracts the surface;

-wherein the adsorption means need not contact the surface to be adsorbed.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a high flow low pressure adsorption device wherein

-a suction fan or a rotating impeller attached with the base plate facing a vacuum chamber formed inside the base plate sucks air or fluid or slurry from the environment through the perimeter of the device, wherein the internal geometry of the base plate is designed to comprise two acceleration zones, one turbulence zone and one smoothing zone by four subdivided flow sections;

-wherein the air or fluid or slurry from the perimeter of the device directly enters a first acceleration zone where it is accelerated and then enters a turbulence zone where it undergoes a sharp drop in pressure due to the large energy loss caused by the turbulence created in the zone then flows again into a second acceleration zone and then the air or fluid or slurry continues into a smoothing zone where the flow is diverted and controlled by means of a flow diverter present at the center of the smoothing zone and a constant cross-sectional state of the entire flow path faced by the air or fluid or slurry is achieved, the flow diverter does not need to touch the surface being adsorbed and where the smoothing zone maintains the pressure over a large floor area surface structure and finally the flow is drawn by a fan and discharged back into the environment (or sump); whereby the device creates suction and attracts the surface;

-wherein the adsorption means need not contact the surface to be adsorbed.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an adsorption apparatus as shown and illustrated by the sketches in fig. 1 to 26 of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the adsorption unit of the present invention is as shown and illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 of the present invention.

In another preferred embodiment, the adsorption unit of the present invention is as shown and illustrated in fig. 4-6 of the present invention.

In another preferred embodiment, the adsorption unit of the present invention is shown and illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 of the present invention.

In another preferred embodiment, the adsorption unit of the present invention is as shown and illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 of the present invention.

In another preferred embodiment, the adsorption unit of the present invention is as shown and illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 of the present invention.

In another preferred embodiment, the adsorption unit of the present invention is as shown and illustrated in FIGS. 16-18 of the present invention.

In another preferred embodiment, an adsorption apparatus of the present invention is shown and illustrated in fig. 19 of the present invention.

Drawings

FIG. 1: the lower surface of the present invention is shown.

FIG. 2: base:Sub>A cross-sectional view of the device alongbase:Sub>A-base:Sub>A in fig. 1 is shown.

FIG. 3: an isometric view of the present invention is shown.

Fig. 4, 5 and 6: showing a lower surface view, a cross-sectional view, and an isometric view of an alternate class of embodiments having the same overall structure but different turbulent zone geometries. In this particular case, the turbulent zone geometry is an axisymmetric relief.

Fig. 7, 8 and 9: showing a lower surface view, a cross-sectional view, and an isometric view of an alternate class of embodiments having the same overall structure but different turbulent zone geometries. In this particular case, the turbulent zone geometry is an undulation of a non-axisymmetric system. The structure may be made of rigid material as well as bristle-like structures. The turbulent zone geometry may also be completely asymmetric.

Fig. 10, 11 and 12: a lower surface view, cross-sectional view and isometric view of an alternate class of embodiments are shown, with the same area organization but with a polygonal rather than circular overall structure. Such devices may have other polygonal or any free-form shape as their basic structure.

Fig. 13, 14 and 15: there are shown lower surface, cross-sectional and isometric views of an alternate class of embodiments that do not have a physical acceleration zone in the device. However, it can be seen in fig. 19 and 20 that the acceleration zone extends beyond the actual physical device/equipment. Thus, even though this alternative embodiment does not appear to have an acceleration zone, it actually has an acceleration zone that exists only outside of the device/equipment domain.

Fig. 16, 17 and 18: a lower surface view, a cross-sectional view and an isometric view, respectively, of an alternate embodiment class are shown, the class having two acceleration regions, one before and one after the zone of turbulence.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of: showing the flow pattern and direction in an exemplary version of the invention. This direction is important because unlike purely bernoulli-principle based non-contact adsorption systems, the present invention only produces adsorption in the inward air flow direction.

FIG. 20: an approximate pressure distribution under the inventive device/system is shown and can be compared to fig. 19 to understand the pressure drop in each zone.

Fig. 21 and 22: a possible attachment method for the flow redirector is shown. In all previous figures, the flow redirector appears to be floating, since for clarity the attachment is not shown.

Fig. 23 and 24: a possible attachment method for attaching the present invention to a manipulator is shown.

Fig. 25 and 26: a possible way of using the invention in a mobile robot capable of moving on an inclined, vertical or inverted surface is shown.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention relates to a high flow low pressure adsorption device. In particular, the present invention is in the field of hydrodynamics and describes an adsorption mechanism and/or device that involves high flow low pressure adsorption based on multi-stage turbulence without the need to contact the surface being adsorbed. The adsorption device of the present invention produces non-contact adsorption in a new and more efficient manner. The term non-contact does not require that no part of the suction mechanism may contact the surface. It simply means that no proper sealing with the surface is required.

The device can be used to attract, suspend, hold, lift and block objects. The device may also be used to attach to a surface as required by the wall climbing device. The device may be used alone or in combination with other mechanical or electronic systems. The apparatus may operate with any fluid or slurry including a gas (e.g., air), a liquid (e.g., water), or any combination thereof, a slurry, or any other gas and/or liquid having solids and/or particles dispersed therein.

In one aspect, the present invention provides adsorption mechanisms and devices based on non-contact multi-stage (two and/or three and/or more than three, e.g., four) turbulent flow. The device is based on a new concept, wherein the device uses the concept of turbulence to create a pressure drop at the perimeter of the arrangement made for the adsorption device, while inside the device the geometry ensures negligible variation of the flow velocity and thus reduces flow energy losses. This configuration produces a more uniform pressure distribution, which in turn increases efficiency.

The above mechanism in the device is performed by a fan or rotating impeller for pumping the air/fluid/slurry and a vacuum chamber, wherein the vacuum chamber is uniquely designed to operate without any seals between the chamber and the surface. The device uses a novel method of generating low pressure using turbulent flow. Arrangements have been made for the device to combine this low pressure generation based on turbulence with the bernoulli principle to produce a highly efficient adsorption device. The apparatus accomplishes this by flowing air/fluid/slurry through two zones, a turbulent zone (high turbulence zone) and a smooth zone (minimal turbulence zone). By additionally including an acceleration zone, the device may also include three physical zones. The acceleration zone may be present at the perimeter of the device or after the zone of turbulence, or both. The air/fluid/slurry flows through the acceleration zone and then travels to the turbulent zone (high turbulent zone). Furthermore, an acceleration zone may also be present just after the turbulent zone to reduce incoming turbulence to the smooth zone. In one variation of the invention, the device may include two acceleration zones as well as a turbulence zone and a smoothing zone, as illustrated in the corresponding fig. 16-18.

The device works by introducing air/fluid/slurry into a vacuum chamber, accelerating the air/fluid/slurry, creating turbulence in the air/fluid/slurry to cause a pressure drop, maintaining the pressure over a large bottom area, and finally discharging the air/fluid/slurry through a fan/rotating impeller.

In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises two zones, namely a turbulent zone (high turbulent zone) and a smooth zone (minimal turbulent zone).

In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises three regions, namely an acceleration region, a turbulent region (high turbulence region) and a smooth region (minimal turbulence region).

In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises four zones, namely two acceleration zones, one turbulent zone (high turbulence zone) and one smooth zone (minimal turbulence zone).

In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising the above-mentioned adsorption device of the present invention or an adsorption device based on non-contact two-stage/three-stage/more than three-stage turbulence.

The number of zones can be varied by the person skilled in the art by means of the turbulence-based concept according to the invention and adsorption units comprising more than two or three or four zones can be produced, as described in the present invention. Further, the skilled person, by means of the turbulence-based concept according to the invention, can design an adsorption device comprising a repetition of one or more of the different zones or a repetition of an arrangement of two or three or four zones in the device. One such example is a device comprising a repetition of the first two regions, i.e. an acceleration region followed by a turbulence region followed by an acceleration region followed by a turbulence region; the smooth zone is also referred to as the innermost zone. Similar other variations are possible. All such devices that vary in design based on the concept of turbulence are within the scope of the present invention.

The device comprises the following steps:

the apparatus of the present invention implements a turbulent flow concept comprising multiple stages of physical zones, such as

By containing two zones, namely a turbulent zone (high turbulent zone) and a smooth zone (minimal turbulent zone); or

By containing three regions, namely an acceleration region, a turbulent region (high turbulent region) and a smooth region (minimal turbulent region); or

By containing more than three regions, such as two acceleration regions, turbulent regions (high turbulent regions) and smooth regions (minimal turbulent regions).

The suction device has an inner or lower body portion and an outer/outer body portion.

The adsorption device comprises:

a vacuum chamber comprising the total area between the base plate and the surface to be adsorbed.

A suction fan/rotating impeller attached with the base plate facing the vacuum chamber and drawing air out of the vacuum chamber.

The device further comprises a centrally located flow diverter to divert the flow of air/fluid/pulp in the flow path. The flow redirector is part of the smooth zone and the redirector is present in the smooth zone area. The diverter also maintains a constant cross-sectional profile throughout the flow path in the device. The flow redirector need not necessarily touch the surface. The flow redirector may or may not touch the surface to be sorbed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flow redirector does not touch the surface to be sorbed. However, the adsorption device of the invention based on the turbulent concept can also be designed with a flow diverter, which touches the surface. Thus, in another preferred embodiment, the flow redirector of the smooth zone of the device touches the surface to be adsorbed.

The lower body or interior of the device is the only important section. No design limitations are imposed with respect to the top/outer surface of the device. The overall external shape or design of the device may vary and may be any shape.

In the lower body/inner portion, the device of the present invention includes various sub-divided flow sections on the base plate based on the effect of the section on the air/fluid/slurry flow. The sections in the base plate are: an acceleration zone, a turbulence zone, and a smoothing zone.

The first zone is an acceleration zone, which is typically located at the outer perimeter of the present adsorption mechanism/device, but may also be added after the turbulent zone, or both, i.e., one acceleration zone at the outer perimeter and one acceleration zone added after the turbulent zone. This zone substantially helps to increase the velocity of the incoming air/fluid/slurry. This section may also cause some turbulence into the air/fluid/slurry. The acceleration zone is usually small (0.1 mm to a few millimeters), but can also be kept large. An acceleration zone may also be present just after the turbulent zone to reduce turbulence into the smooth zone.

The second section is a turbulent zone having a plurality of undulations and an uneven, low concave surface to induce turbulence in the rapidly moving air/fluid/slurry from the acceleration zone. This results in a reduction in air/fluid/slurry energy, which reduces the air/fluid/slurry pressure. The zone of turbulence is designed to maximize turbulence and boundary layer separation (the zone needs to be as thin as possible, but in order to achieve sufficient energy loss, the zone typically spans about 10-15% of the radius in thickness). The method of operation of this zone may be considered an aerodynamic seal. This zone visually distinguishes the present invention from the prior art.

The third zone is a smoothing zone, which is focused on minimizing air/fluid/slurry energy losses. This final section leads to an impeller which eventually discharges the air/fluid/slurry into a sump (or environment). The smoothing zone is designed to minimize energy losses in the air/fluid/slurry. The system produces a nearly uniform low pressure below the bottom surface, which is distributed over the entire smooth zone (nearly the entire surface). For this reason, the smooth zone must be very large and have a minimum of 45% net projected area. Even if the pressure is small, the large area underneath generates a large force. The flow redirector is part of the smooth zone.

The smoothing zone has a particular geometry that minimizes the variation in the cross-sectional area of the flowing air/fluid/slurry. An ideal shape for this case is an axisymmetric shape, where the design height of the device from the surface being adsorbed is inversely proportional to the radial distance from the center. However, in order to maintain negligible area change in the overall flow, it is necessary to add a flow diverter that acts as a second surface in place of the adsorption surface in the region before the impeller. The smooth zone had a maximum flow rate change of 40% over the entire smooth zone and was considered a smooth zone.

Thus, in one embodiment, the device of the invention comprises:

a base plate, wherein the inner surface of the base plate comprises three sub-divided flow sections, namely an acceleration zone, a turbulent zone (high turbulence) and a smooth zone (minimal turbulence), all of which are physically generated in the inner surface; and

a suction fan/rotating impeller attached with the base plate facing the vacuum chamber and drawing air out of the chamber; and

-a flow diverter at the center to divert the flow of air/fluid/slurry in the flow path.

In another embodiment, the device of the present invention comprises:

a base plate, wherein the inner surface of the base plate comprises two sub-divided flow sections, namely a turbulent zone (high turbulence) and a smooth zone (minimal turbulence), both physically generated in the inner surface.

However, the acceleration zone extends beyond the actual physical device/equipment. Thus, while this alternative embodiment (two zones) appears to have no acceleration zone, it actually has an acceleration zone that exists only outside the plant/equipment field (see fig. 13-15 and 19-20). In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises three sub-divided flow sections. In another preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention comprises two sub-divided flow sections.

In another embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises:

a base plate, wherein the inner surface of the base plate comprises four sub-divided flow sections, namely two acceleration zones, a turbulent zone (high turbulence) and a smooth zone (minimal turbulence), all four zones being physically generated in the inner surface; and

-a suction fan/rotating impeller attached with the base plate facing the vacuum chamber and drawing air out of the chamber; and

The two acceleration regions may be arranged such that a zone of turbulence exists between the two acceleration regions, i.e. first the acceleration region, then the zone of turbulence, and then the acceleration region.

In the above apparatus:

-a suction fan sucking air/fluid/pulp into the system of device and base plate, wherein the internal geometry design controls the flow velocity of the air/fluid/pulp through the subdivided flow section of the base plate;

the device works by introducing air/fluid/slurry into the vacuum chamber, accelerating the air/fluid/slurry, creating turbulence in the air/fluid/slurry to cause a pressure drop, maintaining the pressure over a large bottom area, and finally discharging the air/fluid/slurry through a fan/rotating impeller.

The adsorption means need not contact the surface to be adsorbed.

The suction fan/impeller may be a radial fan or an axial fan, or both. In one embodiment, a radial fan is used. In one embodiment, an axial fan is used. In one embodiment, a combination of radial and axial fans may be used. The function of the fan is to draw air/fluid/slurry. The number of fans/impellers can be varied as desired to adequately effect the adsorption of the device. The apparatus of the present invention may employ one fan or more than one fan, such as two or three or four fans or the like. The type of fan/impeller can be selected by those skilled in the art and the number of fans/impellers can be varied as desired. The drive shaft of the impeller may be driven by any conceivable means, such as an AC or DC electric motor, a gas or fuel combustion motor, steam power, compressed gas or air, a flywheel or a mechanical winding device. The drive shaft may be of any length or shape, and it may be flexible. Power may be provided to the drive shaft directly from the motor, or through one or more belts or chains connecting the drive shaft to the motor. An optional gear may be provided which allows the drive shaft to reverse rotational direction or allows the speed of the impeller to be controlled at a constant motor speed. Alternative drive mechanisms, such as hydraulic, pneumatic or magnetic devices, may also be used. The power supply may also provide energy to additional devices.

The present suction device/apparatus may be made of any material, including soft rubber-like materials. Certain sections of the device closer to the surface being attracted than others may be made of flexible material to increase the maximum obstacle height that can be traversed. The device/apparatus can be designed with a variety of turbulence zone profiles, from simple axisymmetric reverse stepped profiles to very complex asymmetric profiles, but the ultimate goal of creating turbulence in lean space near the device/apparatus perimeter will remain unchanged.

The lower body of the present invention is the only important section, and no design restrictions apply with respect to the top surface.

The overall advantages of the device over the prior art compared to other non-contact adsorption methods can be summarized as high energy efficiency, low pressure operation which minimizes the load on the adsorption surface and spreads the load over a larger distance.

Another major advantage over all devices is the high robustness in the device. In contact-based adsorption systems, the small roughness may significantly reduce adsorption, resulting in catastrophic failure. However, non-contact adsorption mechanisms like bernoulli pads are more robust, and are also strongly affected if the surface protrusions are in contact with the interior section of the adsorption plate. However, the present invention, by virtue of the novel adsorption strategy, keeps the interior section of its device/apparatus higher from the surface being adsorbed than the rest of the body, thus increasing the robustness of the device/apparatus.

Other advantages over the suction cup based design include: lower cost due to less complex geometry compared to segmented rubber seals; the durability is high since there is no contact and wear between the device and the surface being adsorbed.

Principle of operation

The adsorption apparatus and/or device of the present invention is based on a non-contact multi-stage turbulent flow based adsorption mechanism that achieves the concept of three-level or two-level or multi-level (such as four-level) turbulence by flowing a fluid through three or two or more zones (such as four zones), respectively, selected from the group consisting of, i.e., an acceleration zone, a turbulent zone (high turbulence zone) and a smooth zone (minimal turbulence zone). If the device is based on two regions, the device must include two regions, namely a turbulent region and a smooth region.

The apparatus/equipment includes a fan or rotating impeller for drawing air/fluid/slurry and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is uniquely designed to operate without any seals between the chamber and the surface. This concept takes advantage of the turbulence to create a pressure drop at the perimeter of the device, while in the interior of the device the geometry ensures negligible variation of the flow velocity and thus reduces flow energy losses. This configuration produces a more uniform pressure distribution, which in turn increases efficiency. The device combines this turbulence-based low pressure generation with the bernoulli principle to produce a highly efficient adsorption device.

The high flow low pressure adsorption apparatus including the three subdivided sections was assembled and operated as follows:

-a suction fan/rotating impeller (48) attached with a base plate (49) facing a vacuum chamber formed inside the base plate sucks air/fluid/slurry (51) from the environment through the perimeter (50) of the device, wherein the internal geometry of the base plate (49) is designed to comprise an acceleration zone (44), a turbulence zone (45) and a smoothing zone (46) through three subdivided flow sections;

-wherein the air/fluid/slurry from the perimeter (50) directly enters an acceleration zone (44) where it is accelerated and then enters a turbulence zone (45) where it experiences a sharp drop in pressure due to a large energy loss due to the turbulence created in the zone (45) and then the air/fluid/slurry continues to enter a smoothing zone (46) where the flow is diverted and controlled by means of a centrally present flow diverter (47) that does not need to touch the adsorbed surface (52) and where the zone (46) maintains the pressure over a large floor area surface structure and finally the flow is sucked by a fan (48) and drained back into the environment (or sump); whereby the device creates a suction and a suction surface;

-wherein the adsorption means need not contact the surface to be adsorbed.

The assembly and operation of the high flow low pressure adsorption unit including the two-stage subdivided zones is as follows:

-a suction fan/rotating impeller (32) attached with a base plate (34) facing a vacuum chamber formed inside the base plate sucks air/fluid/slurry from the environment through the perimeter (35) of the device, wherein the internal geometry of the base plate (34) is designed to comprise a turbulent zone (29) and a smooth zone (30) through two subdivided flow sections;

-wherein the air/fluid/slurry from the perimeter (35) enters directly the turbulence zone (29) which accelerates and generates turbulence to the air/fluid/slurry and experiences a sharp drop in pressure due to the large energy loss caused by the turbulence generated in the zone (29), and then the air/fluid/slurry continues into the smoothing zone (30) where the flow is diverted and controlled by means of a centrally present flow diverter (31) which does not need to touch the surface to be adsorbed and a constant cross-sectional state of the entire flow path that the air/fluid/slurry faces is achieved, and where the zone (30) is designed such that turbulence is kept to a minimum and the pressure is kept over a large floor area surface structure; and finally the flow is drawn by the fan (32) and discharged back into the environment (or sump); whereby the device creates a suction and adsorption surface;

-wherein the adsorption means need not contact the surface to be adsorbed.

The assembly and operation of the high flow low pressure adsorption unit including the four-stage subdivided zones is as follows:

-a suction fan/rotating impeller (41) attached with a base plate (42) facing a vacuum chamber formed inside the base plate sucks air/fluid/slurry from the environment through the perimeter (43) of the device, wherein the internal geometry of the base plate (42) is designed to comprise two acceleration zones (36, 38), a turbulence zone (37) and a smoothing zone (39) through four subdivided flow sections;

-wherein the air/fluid/slurry from the perimeter (43) directly enters a first acceleration zone (36) where it is accelerated and then enters a turbulence zone (37) where it undergoes a sharp drop in pressure due to the large energy losses caused by the turbulence generated in the zone (37), then flows again into a second acceleration zone (38) and then the air/fluid/slurry continues into a smoothing zone (39) where the flow is diverted and controlled by means of a centrally present flow diverter (40) which does not need to touch the adsorbed surface and which achieves a constant cross-sectional state of the entire flow path faced by the air/fluid/slurry and where the zone (39) maintains the pressure over a large floor area surface structure and finally the flow is sucked by a fan (41) and discharged back into the environment (or sump); whereby the device creates a suction and adsorption surface;

-wherein the adsorption means need not contact the surface to be adsorbed.

The above-mentioned reference numerals are intended to provide a better understanding of the different embodiments of the device of the invention with reference to the figures illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The numbering is illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention.

The device of the invention and the working of the device described above will be further explained and presented by means of figures and illustrations as shown in the attached drawings and the following different embodiments. The invention is not limited to the overall design/shape of the adsorption means/device as presented in the figures, and the design/shape may also be free-form.

The number of zones can be varied by the person skilled in the art by means of the turbulence-based concept according to the invention and adsorption units comprising more than two or three or four zones as described in the invention can be produced. Further, the skilled person, by means of the turbulence-based concept according to the invention, can design an adsorption device comprising a repetition of one or more of the different zones or a repetition of an arrangement of two or three or four zones in the device. The flow redirector does not necessarily have to touch the surface. The flow redirector in the smooth zone may or may not touch the surface to be adsorbed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention as described above, the flow redirector does not touch the surface to be sorbed. However, the inventive adsorption device based on the turbulent flow concept can also be designed with a flow diverter touching the surface. All such devices where there are variations in design based on the concept of turbulence, such as the number of zones or repetition of zones and/or flow diverters touching the surface, are within the scope of the present invention.

The apparatus of the present invention can be understood from the drawings presented in fig. 1 to 26; wherein figures 1 to 18 represent various embodiments (six) of the invention, wherein the device (as shown in figures 1 to 19) comprises (in each embodiment/figure, respectively): a base plate (6 =13=20=27=34=42= 49) comprising two/three/four subdivided flow sections as physical zones selected from an acceleration zone (1 =8=15=23=36=38= 44), a turbulence zone (2 =9=16=24=29=37= 45) and a smooth zone (3 =10=17=25=30=39= 46); a suction fan (5 =12=19=33=32=41= 48); and a flow diverter (4 =11=18=26=31=40= 47). In all the above embodiments (except the fifth embodiment, in which the acceleration zone is physically absent and comprises only two zones (29) and (30)), in all other embodiments the base plate (6 =13=20=27=42= 49) comprises three/four zones selected from the three physical zones, i.e. the acceleration zone (1, 8, 15, 23, 36, 38, 44), the turbulence zone (2, 9, 16, 24, 37, 45) and the smoothing zone (3, 10, 17, 25, 39, 46), wherein the figures vary by the geometry and/or shape of the different flow sections (zones) and/or the overall shape of the adsorption device, as can be seen in the respective embodiments and figures; this will be explained further below. The sixth embodiment includes three zones and an additional acceleration zone.

A preferred embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention is shown in fig. 1, 2 and 3, and fig. 1, 2 and 3 show a lower surface view, a sectional view and an isometric view of the present invention, respectively. The adsorption apparatus as shown in fig. 1 to 3 includes: a base plate (6) comprising three subdivided flow sections as physical zones (1), (2) and (3); a suction fan (5); and a flow diverter (4). Fluid from the environment enters the device from a perimeter (7) that is substantially the edge of the system and directly enters the acceleration zone (1). In a preferred embodiment, the zone is a thin edge. The air then enters the zone of turbulence (2). The preferred embodiment has a semi-circular or semi-circular cross-section followed by an inverted step as the zone of turbulence. The air experiences a sharp drop in pressure in this region due to the turbulence resulting in a large energy loss. The air continues into a smooth zone (3) where the surface structure keeps the cross-sectional area of the fluid facing almost constant. In order to meet this constant cross-sectional condition throughout the flow path, a flow diversion device (4) is used in the center. The flow redirector (4) need not touch the surface being attracted. The flow is finally drawn in by the fan (5) and discharged into the surrounding environment (or sump). Fig. 19 and 20 show the fluid flow and the corresponding pressure drop in this preferred embodiment.

Alternative embodiments (second embodiments) are shown in fig. 4, 5 and 6, fig. 4, 5 and 6 showing a lower surface view, a cross-sectional view and an isometric view, respectively, of the present invention; fig. 4, 5 and 6 differ from fig. 1-3 in that the zone of turbulence has a different geometry, i.e. the same general structure as in the case of fig. 1-3, but the zone geometry is an axisymmetric relief.

The turbulence zone geometry may be any wave geometry that is not even necessarily axisymmetric, as shown in fig. 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13. Thus, in fig. 4, 5 and 6, the flow enters from the perimeter (14) and passes through the acceleration zone (8) and into the turbulence zone (9). After this, the air enters the smoothing zone (10), the smoothing zone (10) finally leading to the fan/impeller (12). The device comprises a flow diverter (11) for controlling the flow of the fluid.

Alternative embodiments (third embodiments) are shown in fig. 7, 8 and 9, and fig. 7, 8 and 9 show a lower surface view, a cross-sectional view and an isometric view, respectively, of the present invention, wherein the turbulent zone is non-axisymmetric. Fluid enters the device from the perimeter (21) and enters the acceleration zone (15). The air then enters a turbulent zone (16) which includes a number of protrusions (22) that cause turbulence in the flow. In fig. 9, a portion of the turbulent zone (16) is enlarged and shown in part B, which shows the protrusion (22). The flow then enters a smooth zone (17) which extends up to the fan or impeller. The smoothing zone is designed to keep turbulence to a minimum. This is achieved by keeping the area for flow almost constant, so the average velocity of the fluid remains almost constant throughout the zone. This condition is achieved using a flow diverter (18). The flow eventually enters an impeller or fan (19) which expels the air back into the environment.

An alternative embodiment (fourth embodiment) is shown in fig. 10, 11 and 12, fig. 10, 11 and 12 showing a lower surface view, a cross-sectional view and an isometric view, respectively, of the present invention, wherein the device comprises a non-axisymmetric region. The basic geometry of the device has changed to a polygonal geometry. In this illustration the geometry resembles a square. The basic geometry may be any free-form shape. Fluid enters the device from the perimeter (28) and enters the acceleration zone (23). The accelerator region has a non-uniform thickness. The air then enters a turbulent zone comprising a number of protrusions that cause turbulence in the flow. The zone is delimited by (24). The flow then enters a smooth zone (25) extending to a fan or impeller (33). The smooth zone is designed to keep turbulence to a minimum. This is achieved by keeping the flow area almost constant, so the average velocity of the fluid remains almost constant throughout the zone. This condition is achieved using a flow diverter (26). The flow eventually enters an impeller or fan (33) which expels the air back into the environment.

Alternative embodiments (fifth embodiment) shown in figures 13, 14 and 15, which show lower surface, cross-sectional and isometric views respectively of the invention, show devices without a physical acceleration zone. The fluid enters the device from a perimeter (35) that is substantially the outer edge and directly into the zone of turbulence (29). However, fig. 19 and 20 may be used to understand that the air does accelerate before entering the device. The absence of an acceleration zone is highlighted in the enlarged view B. The zone of turbulence comprises a number of protrusions that cause turbulence in the flow. The flow then enters a smooth zone (30) extending up to the fan or impeller. The smoothing zone is designed to keep turbulence to a minimum. This is achieved by keeping the flow area almost constant, so the average velocity of the fluid remains almost constant throughout the zone. This state is achieved using a flow diverter (31). The flow eventually enters an impeller or fan (32) which expels the air back into the environment.

Alternative embodiments (sixth embodiment) shown in figures 16, 17 and 18, which show lower surface, cross-sectional and isometric views respectively of the invention, show a device with two physical acceleration zones. Fluid enters the device from a perimeter (43) that is substantially the outer edge and enters the acceleration zone (36). The accelerated high velocity air enters the zone of turbulence (37). The zone of turbulence comprises a number of protrusions that cause turbulence in the flow. The flow then enters a second acceleration zone (38) where the air is accelerated. This reduces the amount of turbulence and provides better air quality for the smooth zone. However, this region is required to be very thin. The flow then enters a smooth zone (39) that extends to a fan or impeller (41). The smoothing zone is designed to keep turbulence to a minimum. This is achieved by keeping the flow area almost constant, so the average velocity of the fluid remains almost constant throughout the zone. This condition is achieved using a flow redirector (40). The flow eventually enters an impeller or fan (41) which expels the air back into the environment.

Figure 19 shows the flow direction and pattern in the preferred embodiment. The flow (51) is shown entering the perimeter (50). Perimeter refers to the outer edge of the base plate (49). The flow then enters an acceleration zone (44), which is physically a surface whose normal vector is along the axis (53). The axis (53) is an axis of symmetry. The flow then enters a turbulent zone (45) which causes turbulence due to the presence of undulations and sharp edges. The flow eventually enters a smooth zone (46), the smooth zone (46) having minimal change in flow rate to preserve flow energy. The smooth zone has a flow diverter to help meet minimum speed variation criteria throughout the flow path. As can be seen from the figure, no part of the device touches the surface (52) to be sucked.

In the above figures, the attachment of the flow diverter (4 =11=18=26=31=40= 47) to the base plate (6 =13=20=27=34=42= 49) is shown in fig. 21 and 22, where (58) denotes the flow diverter.

Fig. 20 shows the pressure distribution below the adsorption device. The acceleration region (54), the turbulent zone (55), the smooth zone (56) and the axis of symmetry (57) have been described. It can be seen that the pressure drops below atmospheric pressure even before the fluid enters the acceleration zone. This is because air enters the device/apparatus at a certain rate, but in a calm, stagnant and ideal environment, the air is stagnant. Thus, the kinetic energy at the time of entry is at the expense of the pressure energy correctly predicted by the bernoulli equation. The reduced pressure is then enhanced in the acceleration zone (54) and the turbulent zone (55). The pressure is then maintained in a smooth zone (56) using a constant rate funnel shape. Constant velocity funnels work well at design heights, but operation at other heights is affected. Thus, a smooth zone can only be considered when the rate change over it is less than 40%.

Fig. 21 and 22 show possible attachments of the flow redirector (58) to the base plate. In all previous figures, these attachments are not shown for clarity, but a floating flow diverter is shown. The flow redirector has thin radial fins (59) attached to the base plate. The edge at the attachment point (60) has been shown in the enlarged view a.

Fig. 23-26 show two representative uses of the suction device of the present invention and illustrate the attachment of the device to a support system. However, these uses do not limit the scope of the present invention. The suction device of the present invention can be used for suction in a variety of ways and can be attached to a support system as needed and type of use.

Figures 23 and 24 show a possible method of attaching the invention (61) to the arm of the manipulator. A drive system (63) for a fan/impeller (64) may be attached to the suction device (61) and a movable joint (65) connects the suction device (61) with the manipulator (62).

Fig. 25 and 26 show another possible use case of the present invention. The invention may be used in mobile robots that are movable on inclined, vertical or inverted surfaces. The upper surface of the base plate (69) may be modified to serve as the main body of the mobile robot. This is possible because there is no restriction on the upper surface of the robot. The drive mechanism (68) for the wheels/tracks may be mounted directly on the modified top surface of the base plate (69). Wheels/rails (67) are attached to the drive mechanism to allow the robot to translate on the surface (66) being attracted. The drive mechanism (70) for the fan/impeller (71) may also be mounted directly on the modified top surface of the base plate (69). Electronics and other equipment/payloads (72) may also be mounted directly on the modified top surface of the suction device. The flow redirector may be attached to the base plate using a radial fin (73) structure. Robots use a combination of suction and wheel/rail friction due to suction to stay and move on vertical, inclined or inverted surfaces.

Claims

1. A high flow low pressure adsorption device comprising:

-a base plate, wherein an inner surface of the base plate comprises a plurality of subdivided flow sections physically produced therein, the plurality of subdivided flow sections being selected from the group consisting of an acceleration zone, a turbulence zone, and a smoothing zone;

-a suction fan or a rotating impeller attached with the base plate facing the vacuum chamber;

-wherein the suction fan sucks fluid from the periphery of the base plate into the device and into the base plate, wherein the internal geometry design controls the flow velocity of the fluid through the subdivided flow section of the base plate; and is

-wherein the adsorption means does not need to contact the surface to be adsorbed.

2. The adsorption device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of subdivided flow sections present at the inner surface of the base plate comprise a turbulent zone and a smooth zone.

3. The adsorption device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of subdivided flow sections present at the inner surface of the base plate comprise an acceleration zone, a turbulence zone, and a smoothing zone.

4. The adsorption device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of subdivided flow sections present at the inner surface of the base plate comprise two acceleration zones, one turbulence zone, and one smoothing zone.

5. The sorption arrangement of claim 1, wherein the smooth zone of the arrangement includes a flow diverter.

6. The sorption arrangement of claim 5, wherein the flow diverter does not require access to a surface to be sorbed.

7. The sorption arrangement of claim 1, wherein the vacuum chamber is uniquely designed to operate without any seals between the chamber and the surface.

8. The adsorption device of claim 1, wherein the acceleration zone, when present, forms an outer perimeter of the adsorption device that helps to increase the velocity of the incoming fluid and can also cause some turbulence in the fluid and ultimately feed high velocity or fast moving fluid to the zone of turbulence.

9. The adsorption device of claim 1 wherein the turbulent zone causes turbulence in the fast moving fluid from the acceleration zone or, when no acceleration zone is present, from the periphery of the device, the turbulence resulting in a reduction in fluid energy that reduces fluid pressure and maximizes turbulence and boundary layer separation.

10. The adsorption device of claim 1, wherein the subdivided flow section, particularly the turbulent zone present at the inner surface of the base plate, has a plurality of undulations and can have a geometric design selected from:

(f) A semi-annular shape followed by a reverse stepped or axisymmetric relief;

(g) A non-axisymmetric undulation comprising a plurality of protrusions;

(h) A non-axisymmetric undulation comprising an undulating geometry;

(i) A bristle-like structure; and

(j) A flexible structure.

11. The adsorption device of claim 10 wherein the zone of turbulence can vary in design or shape with a plurality of undulations or uneven dimpled surfaces to induce turbulence that creates turbulence in a thin space located near the perimeter of the device.

12. The sorption arrangement of claim 1, wherein the surface structure of the smooth zone has a geometry that minimizes the change in cross-sectional area for the flowing fluid at design heights, wherein the change in height will compromise the flow regime, but the rate change should remain less than 40%.

13. The sorption arrangement of claim 12, wherein the desired shape of the smooth zone is an axisymmetric shape, wherein, for a given finite design height, the design height of the arrangement from the surface being sorbed is inversely proportional to the radial distance from the center.

14. The sorption arrangement of claim 12, wherein the constant cross-sectional state at the design height is achieved by the flow diverter being present in the smooth zone throughout the flow path.

15. A sorption arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement operates by introducing fluid into the vacuum chamber, accelerating the fluid, creating turbulence in the fluid so as to cause a pressure drop, maintaining the pressure over a large base area, and finally discharging the fluid through the fan or rotating impeller.

16. The sorption arrangement of claim 1, wherein the substantially overall geometry of the sorption arrangement can be circular or polygonal or free-form in shape.

17. The sorption arrangement of claim 1, wherein the arrangement is capable of being used as or in a sorption device that is capable of being operated with a fluid that includes a gas, a liquid, or a combination thereof, and a gas or a liquid having solids and particles dispersed therein.

18. A sorption arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 17, wherein the suction fan or impeller can be a radial fan or an axial fan or a combination of both, wherein the drive shaft of the fan or impeller can be powered directly or indirectly by connecting a belt from a drive source, the shaft being provided with a gear to allow rotation in the reverse direction or to allow control of the fan or impeller speed.

19. The sorption arrangement of claim 18, wherein the power source can be an AC or DC electric motor, a gas or fuel burning motor, steam power, compressed gas or air, a flywheel or mechanical winding device or other hydraulic, wind or magnetic device.

20. A high flow low pressure adsorption device, wherein

-a suction fan or a rotating impeller attached with a base plate facing a vacuum chamber formed inside the base plate sucks in fluid from the environment through the perimeter of the device, wherein the internal geometry of the base plate is designed to comprise an acceleration zone, a turbulence zone and a smoothing zone through three sub-divided flow sections;

-wherein fluid from the perimeter of the device directly enters the acceleration zone where it is accelerated and then enters the turbulent zone where it undergoes a sharp drop in pressure due to the large energy loss caused by the turbulence created in the zone and then, after that, fluid continues into the smooth zone where it is diverted and controlled by means of a flow diverter present at the center of the smooth zone and which does not need to touch the surface being adsorbed and where it maintains pressure over a large floor area surface structure and finally the flow is sucked by the fan and drained back into the environment or sump; whereby the device creates suction and attracts the surface;

21. A high flow low pressure adsorption device, wherein

-a suction fan or a rotating impeller attached with a base plate facing a vacuum chamber formed inside the base plate sucks in fluid from the environment through the perimeter of the device, wherein the internal geometry of the base plate is designed to comprise a turbulent zone and a smooth zone through two sub-divided flow sections;

-wherein fluid from the perimeter of the device directly enters the turbulent zone, which accelerates the fluid and creates turbulence to the fluid and experiences a sharp drop in pressure due to the turbulence created in the zone resulting in a large energy loss, and then, after that, the fluid continues to enter the smooth zone, where the flow is diverted and controlled by means of a flow diverter present at the center of the smooth zone and a constant cross-sectional state of the entire flow path that the fluid faces is achieved, which flow diverter does not need to touch the surface being adsorbed, and where the smooth zone is designed such that turbulence is kept to a minimum and pressure is maintained over a large footprint surface structure; and eventually the flow is drawn by the fan and vented back to the environment or to a sump; whereby the device creates suction and attracts the surface;

22. A high flow low pressure adsorption device, wherein

-a suction fan or a rotating impeller attached with the base plate facing a vacuum chamber formed inside the base plate sucks in fluid from the environment through the perimeter of the device, wherein the internal geometry of the base plate comprises two acceleration zones, one turbulence zone and one smoothing zone through four subdivided flow sections;

-wherein fluid from the perimeter of the device directly enters a first acceleration zone where it is accelerated and then enters the turbulent zone where it undergoes a sharp drop in pressure due to the turbulence created in the zone resulting in a substantial energy loss, then flows to a second acceleration zone, and then after that fluid continues into the smooth zone where it is diverted and controlled to flow by means of a flow diverter present at the center of the smooth zone and achieves a constant cross-sectional state of the entire flow path that the fluid faces, which does not need to touch the surface being adsorbed, and where the smooth zone maintains pressure over a large surface area structure and finally the flow is drawn by the fan floor and drained back into the environment or sump; whereby the device creates suction and attracts the surface;